CVE-2019-1010100 in Rufus
Summary
by MITRE
Akeo Consulting Rufus 3.0 and earlier is affected by: DLL search order hijacking. The impact is: Arbitrary code execution WITH escalation of privilege. The component is: Executable installers, portable executables (ALL executables on the web site). The attack vector is: CAPEC-471, CWE-426, CWE-427.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1010100 affects Akeo Consulting Rufus 3.0 and earlier versions, representing a critical security flaw that exploits DLL search order hijacking mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the executable installers and portable executables distributed through the Rufus website, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts all executable files associated with the software distribution. The flaw manifests through the improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences, creating opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from CWE-426 and CWE-427 classifications, which specifically address the insecure handling of dynamic link libraries and the exploitation of search order mechanisms. When Rufus executables are launched, the system searches for required DLL files in a specific order that includes the current working directory before system directories. This search order can be manipulated by placing malicious DLL files in the same directory as the vulnerable executable, allowing attackers to load unauthorized code instead of legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CAPEC-471 attack patterns that describe the exploitation of application search path vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include privilege escalation capabilities, which significantly amplifies the potential damage. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute malicious code with the same privileges as the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system compromise when the vulnerable software is run with administrative rights. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors targeting enterprise environments where administrative privileges are commonly used.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through the installation of patched versions of Rufus software, as the vendor has addressed this issue in subsequent releases. System administrators should also implement security measures such as controlling the executable search path through the Windows PATH environment variable, ensuring that system directories are prioritized over user directories. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in preventing search order hijacking attacks and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system tools.